The aquarium will hold approximately 70,000 litres of water and will be home to more than 1,200 tropical marine fish imported from Heron Island, which is located off theGreat Barrier Reef.
The tank measures 12m long, 2m wide and 4m high with 230mm thick acrylic walls. It is the largest complete unit to be manufactured by specialist Reynolds in Colorado, USA and will be the largest privately owned aquarium in Europe.
The size of the aquarium provided plenty of problems during its delivery.
Bridge height restrictions in London required the aquarium to be transported on its side. The unit was held within a steel protective frame, and turned in Bishopsgate into its correct position.
The frame was removed and the aquarium was lifted onto air skates to install it in the entrance lobby.
It was then lifted onto a temporary plinth where the rockwork, artificial coral and the fish life safety systems will be installed.
The whole unit will be moved into its final location beneath a steel lantern in late summer.
Steve Evans, Development Director at Heron International, said: “The aquarium is a masterpiece of design and manufacturing, that fits perfectly with the high quality workmanship involved in all aspects of this development.
“Its arrival on site at the Tower marks another milestone in the property’s development. We are looking forward to Heron Tower’s completion in February 2011, when this landmark building will be opening its doors to tenants.”
